Monson defeats Southwick 2-0 in girls soccer

CHICOPEE – Monson High School blanked Southwick 2-0 Friday in the Western Massachusetts Division II semifinals at Szot Park.

Junior captain Brooke Murphy got the Mustangs on the board with a header with 18 minutes left in the first half on a cross by Aly Jarvis.

Monson added an insurance goal in the second half by freshman Megan McGuill after Southwick keeper Megan Zabik, who had six saves in the game, missed Bryanna Murphy’s free kick.

Southwick finishes with an 11-4-5 record.

“It’s a nice feeling, a nice feeling of accomplishment for the girls,” said Monson coach Eric Degnan. “At our first practice, I told these girls that my expectations have been very high. We’ve had a couple good games in the quarters and now the semis, so it feels good, but these girls aren’t done yet.”

Monson will play Belchertown for the Western Massachusetts Division II championship on Sunday at Westfield State University.

Murphy sustained an injury during the second half, but is expected to play on Sunday.

“She’s a rare person,” Degnan said of Murphy. “She’s a phenomenal talent on the field, but her leadership role is, well, tremendous. The expectation she puts on herself and her teammates is contagious. Nobody on this team wants to let anyone else down. “

The game was a physical one as 25 fouls were called (13 for Monson, 12 for Southwick).

“That’s something that occurred as a result of the stakes: a place in the Western Massachusetts Division II final game,” Degnan said. “Both teams wanted it badly, and both teams played hard, playing through the ball. It was a well-played game on both sides.”